run-away plants
- To: m*@ucdavis.edu
- Subject: run-away plants
- From: "* A* O* <s*@poboxes.com>
- Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1999 22:07:40 -0800
I'm sure I've told this one before, but I imagine its been a
long time.
Anyway, many years ago, close to downtown Berkeley, here in the
East Bay of California, there was an old victorian house in the
middle of a large lot. There was almost nothing growing on the
whole property (just weed grasses and other low herbage) except
for a marvelous Perennial Morning Glory (Ipomoea indica, syn I.
acuminata). This rampant vine had completely engulfed the 3
storey house to it's very tip, weaving in and out of the
gingerbread trim, cloaking windows and siding alike. The amazing
flowers covered the whole mess, brilliant blue-violet fading to
red-violet! The house itself had only the merest remnants of
paint, revealing a wondefully weathered gray wood. It was so
excentric and charming, many people would stop and photograph it.
I enjoyed walking past is on my way to work.
One day, the old man who live a hermit-like existence in this
abode died, and the house was placed on the market 'as-is' by
the family. Someone bought it, tore out the Ipomoea, restored
and painted the house respectibly tasteful colors and added
pretty lace curtains on the windows, colorful flowers in the
front beds.
Now, people pass right by, not noticing the house for a minute.
(couldn't resist)
Sean O.
Sean A. O'Hara sean.ohara@poboxes.com
h o r t u l u s a p t u s 710 Jean Street
'a garden suited to its purpose' Oakland, CA 94610-1459, U.S.A.
